I'm sad to have to say that Im on my journey back home. I loved the time I got to spent in Africa. God has used me in many different ways as well as changed me and is changing me daily. I'm sorry to all those that have been waiting for a new blog. I haven't been anywhere that had much internet service. I have so much to tell you so here it goes…. When I left 2 weeks ago I had no idea what this journey was going to withhold. When I stepped on that plane I had no clue all the ways the Lord was going to bless me/change me. When I sat down in my seat, I was instantly a little upset that I would have to spend the first 8 hours sitting next to a complete stranger, but God had a plan. As I began talking to this sweet lady she began to tell me all about how excited she was that I was going to Africa and how awesome it would be. I shared how I was going to move to London and she told me how much I would love it because she visited there often for work. She asked me why I was moving to London and I told her of everything the Lord had told me to do and how I was giving up everything for Him. I really don't know if she was a Christian or not but I believe me sharing with her about my trip planted a seed in heart. Although I was upset at first that I got stuck by the window "all by myself" we talked a lot and I really feel like she needed that. Just someone who was kind and willing to talk to her and I enjoyed it.
When I got to London I was so excited, I could not wait to see what it was like. Since we had a 12 hour layover we got to go out and explore. It was so much fun getting to see all the different people from different countries coming together for the Olympics. It was crowded and we got to see a little bit of the Woman's Marathon Run. I also got to see the London Bridge as well as eat Fish 'n'Chips for lunch. Although I only had a glimpse of what London was like I cannot wait to explore and find out more. :)
Then another 8 hour flight we finally made it to our destination, Nairobi, Kenya. After going through customs, getting our visas, and getting everyones luggage for 28 people. We met up with Pastor Chola who is the pastor that in charge of Count Me In camp here in Kenya and also a local pastor. God gave Amber and Chris White, my Mission Trip Leaders/Mentors, the vision for Count Me In and Pastor Chola carries it out. It was kind of funny getting to see how different life is there in Kenya. First off when it comes to driving, there is literally no rules. People will walk across the highway or walk right in front of you, there are no lanes, and people stand in the middle of the road and sell stuff. I asked the bus driver if a lot of people get hit and he said yes that it happens all of the time. We then went to the Hostile, ate breakfast, took a shower and a quick nap then was off to Mama Sepora's orphanage.
I had no idea what the Lord had in store for me this trip. All I knew was that I was walking right smack into his plan for me. We went to schools, orphanages, slums, churches, and the streets. As I looked into these faces there was so many sad stories and hopelessness that went on. How could these people have absolutely nothing and still be extremely happy???? The Lord began to break my heart for these people. In the slums I saw kids that drank out of rivers that were filled with trash and sewage, when I went to the streets I saw kids who may have never ever taken a bath before in there life. (no exaggeration.) How could I be so selfish or how could we be so selfish to complain about how the food doesn't taste good at a restaurant when there's some kids who don't have anything to eat. How do we waste money on those 150 dollar shoes when some kids don't even have shoes on their feet. I know we have all heard this before, but until you see it in reality you don't truly understand. I stood in front of those kids willing to give them everything that I had, and I mean everything. Right now I wish I wasn't back in the US. I wish I was still there; feeding the hungry, clothing the street kids, saving children from getting beaten from the their parents. When I looked into those orphans eyes at Mama Sepora's, I saw hunger not necessarily spiritual hunger but a hunger for love and attention. I can't express how awful it is to leave an orphanage like that after spending time with the kids knowing that you may never see them again. A little bit of my heart was left in every place we walked in Africa. I want to do more I thought constantly as I saw more poverty than my heart could take.
Although the first week was filled with just basically pouring out any kind of love you could give, we did get to drive 8 hours into the bush to go on safari. Now, let me break this down for you…. I said 8 hours now that may seem okay if you were going on a road trip in the US but in Africa its off roadin'. After the first 2 hours there was no paved roads anymore. Imagine being crammed when you get carsick in a bus with very uncomfortable seats with 10 people driving down a road with a million potholes for 6 hours while you haven't eaten plus stopping because you got a flat tire…. Ya it was not the funnest experience ever. By the time we got to the Lodge I literally told our leader that if anyone touched me I would punch them in the face with no remorse hahhahahh. But we made it and the experience of seeing the animals was incredible. It was amazing to be able to see the glory of God through his creations. We got to see so many cool animals in there natural habitat including zebras, wildebeest, african buffalo, gazelles, ostriches, elephants, and wait for it------- A PRIDE OF LIONS!!!!! Yes we did see a pride of lions which is so rear and they were so active. I have many pictures. It was so amazing!!! Seeing these animals and dealing with the scary food with mystery meat, beans and rice, who knows else as well as the dirty water coming from the shower I think the 8 hour drive was worth it…..Until the ride back when one of the buses actually broke down and we had to stuff another 5 people into the already overcrowded van. LOL You got to love mission trips. TIA!!! (This is Africa)
The 2nd week was all camp which if only I could describe to you all that God did then I would. So many hearts were captured by the blood of Jesus and so many people were redeemed from the chains of their past. I taught a workshop on Purity and Finding your Identity in Christ in which each class was only supposed to have 60 people and on both days I had over that. The Lord moved in crazy ways and we got to pray over so many girls. Its so sad to see how many girls have been raped, beaten, abused, have dealt with anger, rejection, rebellion and these are just a few things that they asked me to pray for. So many girls came forward just crying out to God to get rid of different things. It was awesome to see the breakthrough during the week as the girls laid these things down and moved forward to their calling and destinies. So many girls there believe they are worthless because of they way they have been mistreated or abused. My heart longs to see these girls completely set free from that and that they would no their worth in Christ. I will be praying for them daily as they have left a mark on my heart.
Im sorry the that I didn't leave more details on the last 2 weeks. There was so much that went on that I can't express to you everything that God did. When I left, I left most of my heart in Africa and honestly I don't want to be at home. It's too difficult to literally have everything you need here with so many ungrateful people when there are kids in Africa starving, never had a pair of shoes, or maybe have never even taken a bath before. This is just a tiny glimpse of what I saw and I will never be the same again. I can't wait to leave again!!!
